Kobe Bryant is expected to play despite a stiff neck and sore ankle. Bryant, who severely sprained his ankle a week ago, hurt his neck after being bumped in the jaw by Minnesota’s Martell Webster in the fourth quarter Friday but told Phil Jackson he was going to play. He officially is listed as a game-time decision because of his ankle. Portland is sixth in the Western Conference standings, 1 1/2 games behind Denver for fifth place. A victory against the Lakers would go a long way in boosting their chances of moving up to the No. 5 seed. Portland has won six of their past eight games, three victories coming against sub .500 teams, though. The Trail Blazers, who beat the Lakers last season at Staples Center, are healthy.